Press Releases

January 3, 2017

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission announces Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. will serve as Acting Chair of the Commission.

December 9, 2016

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission holds last public meeting of the current commission, proposes 2017 amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

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August 18, 2016

Press Releases

U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2016-2017 policy priorities.

Amendment Cycle:

Final Priorities

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Commission issues Report to the Congress: Career Offender Enhancements. Report analyzes career offenders’ prior criminal history, incarceration terms and recidivism rates, and makes statutory recommendations.

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April 15, 2016

Press Releases

Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, including amendments to the immigration, compassionate release, and animal fighting guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 14, 2016

Press Releases

- In the News: New York Law Journal publishes editorial by Chief Judge Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, entitled “Commission Targets Changes for Subset of Economic Crimes”

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March 9, 2016

Press Releases

- The Commission issues the first report on the results of its multi-year study on the recidivism of federal offenders followed over an eight year period.

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January 8, 2016

Press Releases

Commissioners voted at a public meeting to promulgate an amendment to the guideline definition of a "crime of violence." Commissioners also voted to publish additional proposed guideline amendments. Commission seeks comment on revisions to immigration related guidelines, compassionate release, etc.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

Adopted Amendments

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November 23, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission appoints Raquel K. Wilson as Director of the Office of Education and Sentencing Practice.

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November 18, 2015

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the House Judiciary Committee's action to report sentencing reform legislation, "H.R. 3713, Sentencing Reform Act of 2015" to the full House for consideration.

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November 4, 2015

Press Releases

- In the News: National Review Online publishes editorial by Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. entitled, “Why We Were Right to Reduce Sentencing Guidelines for Federal Drug Offenders” (November 4, 2015).

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November 2, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission adds Christine M. Leonard as Legislative and Public Affairs Director.

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October 22, 2015

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission praises the Senate Judiciary Committee's action to report sentencing reform legislation, "S.2123, Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015" to the full Senate for consideration.

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August 7, 2015

Press Releases

Commission proposes changes to existing guideline definitions of a "crime of violence," finalizes other priorities for the 2015-2016 amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle:

Final Priorities

Proposed Amendments

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August 3, 2015

Press Releases

– Five years after its enactment, the Commission submitted to Congress its report assessing the impact of the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.

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April 9, 2015

Press Releases

– Commission votes to promulgate amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines, including amendments to the economic crime guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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February 27, 2015

Press Releases

- Commission announces formation of Tribal Issues Advisory Group.

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January 9, 2015

Press Releases

- Commissioners voted at a public meeting to publish proposed guideline amendments. Commission seeks comment on revisions to fraud guidelines, increase in hydrocodone sentences.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

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October 31, 2014

Press Releases

- Honorable Patti B. Saris, Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, comments on amendment reducing the drug guidelines, effective November 1, 2014.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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October 28, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission releases video to aid federal crime victims. The video release commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Crime Victims' Rights Act.

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August 14, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously approved its list of 2014-2015 priorities, including consideration of federal sentences for economic crimes and continued work on addressing concerns with mandatory minimum penalties.

Amendment Cycle:

Final Priorities

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July 18, 2014

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously votes to allow delayed retroactive reduction in drug trafficking sentences.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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May 7, 2014

Press Releases

- In the News: Wall Street Journal publishes Chair Saris's letter to the editor.

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April 10, 2014

Press Releases

- Commission votes to reduce drug trafficking sentences.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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January 30, 2014

Press Releases

– Chair Saris praises the Senate Judiciary Committee's action to report sentencing reform legislation to the full Senate for consideration.

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January 9, 2014

Press Releases

– The Commission votes to publish to the Federal Register proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

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October 7, 2013

Press Releases

– Commission names Kathleen Cooper Grilli new General Counsel.

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September 18, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submits a statement for the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled âReevaluating the Effectiveness of Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences.â

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August 15, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission adopts is policy priorities for the upcoming amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Priorities

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June 10, 2013

Press Releases

– News Advisory: Comment of Judge Patti B. Saris on the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Peugh .

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June 7, 2013

Press Releases

– Senate confirms three Sentencing Commissioners; Rachel E. Barkow; Judge Charles R. Breyer; and Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. added as members of the United States Sentencing Commission.

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April 30, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission names Kenneth P. Cohen Staff Director, Adds Noah D. Bookbinder as Legislative and Public Affairs Director.

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April 10, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission adopted amendments enhancing sentences for theft of medical products and trade secrets, for trafficking in counterfeit drugs and military parts, and other offenses.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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March 5, 2013

Press Releases

– Commission's Staff Director Announces Retirement.

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February 27, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submitted to Congress its report examining penalties for child pornography offenses and recommendations for revisions.

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January 30, 2013

Press Releases

– The Commission submitted to Congress its report assessing the continuing impact of United States v. Booker on the federal sentencing system and reiterating statutory changes to strengthen the guideline system.

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April 13, 2012

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2011-2012 amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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October 31, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission submits comprehensive report on mandatory minimum penalties to Congress.

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June 30, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission unanimously votes to apply proposed permanent amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactively.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 6, 2011

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates amendments for the 2010-2011 amendment cycle.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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December 23, 2010

Press Releases

- On December 22, 2010, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Patti B. Saris of the District of Massachusetts to be chair of the Commission. The Senate also unanimously confirmed Dabney Friedrich of Maryland for a second term as a member of the Commission.

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October 15, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission promulgates emergency, temporary amendment implementing the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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May 18, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission announces hearing on statutory mandatory minimum penalties and the federal sentencing system.

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April 19, 2010

Press Releases

- Commission votes to send to Congress guideline amendments providing more alternatives to incarceration, increasing consideration of certain specific offender characteristics during the sentencing process.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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February 16, 2010

Press Releases

- Ketanji Brown Jackson to Serve as Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission.

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January 13, 2010

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Seeks Comment on Alternatives to Incarceration, Specific Offender Characteristics Relevant to Sentencing, and Hate Crimes.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

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December 16, 2009

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Appoints New Victims Advisory Group Chair and Members.

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November 13, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Regional Public Hearing at University of Texas at Austin.

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October 21, 2009

Press Releases

- Chief Judge William K. Sessions III Confirmed as Chair of United States Sentencing Commission.

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May 22, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Public Hearing at Stanford Law School.

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February 3, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Hold Public Hearing in Atlanta.

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January 13, 2009

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Ratifies Charter for Practitioners Advisory Group.

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January 13, 2009

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission to Conduct Regional Public Hearings on Federal Sentencing Policy.

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July 8, 2008

Press Releases

- Symposium on Alternatives to Incarceration to be held July 14–15.

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April 22, 2008

Press Releases

- The United States Sentencing Commission announces the formation of its standing “Victims Advisory Group”.

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December 11, 2007

Press Releases

- Commission Votes Unanimously to Apply Amendment Retroactively for Crack Cocaine Offenses; Effective Date for Retroactivity Set for March 3, 2008.

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April 27, 2007

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission votes to amend guidelines for Terrorism, Sex Offenses, Intellectual Property Offenses, and Crack Cocaine Offenses.

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March 1, 2007

Press Releases

- Senate Confirms Two Sentencing Commissioners: Ms. Beryl A. Howell Reconfirmed and Ms. Dabney Langhorne Friedrich Confirmed.

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November 14, 2006

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission To Hold Public Hearing Tuesday On Cocaine and Sentencing Policy.

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November 14, 2006

Press Releases

<p>- News Advisory: Public Hearing on Cocaine and Federal Sentencing Policy.</p>

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August 31, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission votes to promulgate emergency guideline amendment regarding intellectual property crimes.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 11, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Votes To Amend Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, and Steroids.

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January 27, 2006

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Seeks Comment on Sentencing Guidelines For Terrorism, Firearms, Steroids, and Immigration Offenses.

Amendment Cycle:

Proposed Amendments

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January 17, 2006

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission Names Judith Sheon as Staff Director.

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November 1, 2005

Press Releases

- Emergency Guideline Amendments on Obstruction of Justice and Intellectual Property Crimes Take Effect; Aggravated Identity Theft and Antitrust Amendments Also Become Effective.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 15, 2005

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Addresses Congressional Concerns On Antitrust and Identity Theft Offenses.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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January 13, 2005

Press Releases

- U.S. Sentencing Commission Chair Comments on High Court Ruling.

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November 23, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Appointments Announced.

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November 23, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Issues 15 Year Study on Federal Sentencing.

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August 4, 2004

Press Releases

- Hinojosa Named to Chair U.S. Sentencing Commission.

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May 3, 2004

Press Releases

- Commission Tightens Requirements for Corporate Compliance and Ethics Programs.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 13, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Requirements for Corporate Compliance and Ethics Programs; Agency Also Announces Increased Prison Sentences for Sex Offenses and Offenses Involving Hazardous Materials and Spamming.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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March 22, 2004

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Targets Corrupt Public Officials; Agency Also Takes Aim at Portable Rockets and Missiles — Commission Also Increases Penalties for Body Armor and Other Offenses.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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January 29, 2004

Press Releases

- United States Sentencing Commission Chair Diana E. Murphy Resigns; Transfer of Duties Expected to Go Smoothly.

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January 8, 2004

Press Releases

- Minnesota Attorney B. Todd Jones Singled out for Mention in Chief Justice's Report.

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October 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Acts to Reduce Number of Sentences Below the Guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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October 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Panel on the Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations Issues Final Report.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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June 26, 2003

Press Releases

- Hinojosa and Horowitz Named to Sentencing Commission.

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April 18, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties for White Collar Fraudsters; Agency Also Boosts Penalties for Cybercrime and Manslaughter.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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March 27, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Toughens Penalties for Terrorism, Oxycodone Trafficking, and Campaign Finance Offenses; Agency Also Announces Study of Departures from Sentencing Guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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January 8, 2003

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Stiffens Penalties for White Collar Criminals.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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May 22, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Reports on Cocaine Sentencing Policy.

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May 1, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Convenes Native American Ad Hoc Advisory Group.

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March 25, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission increases Penalties for Crimes Against Cultural Heritage.

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April 5, 2002

Press Releases

- Change In Federal Cocaine Sentencing Policy Recommended Findings To Be Submitted To Congress.

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February 21, 2002

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Convenes Organizational Guidelines Ad Hoc Advisory Group.

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October 10, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Seeks to Increase Penalties for Use of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapon.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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April 16, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Increases Penalties for High Dollar Fraud Offenders, Sexual Predators, and Ecstasy Traffickers; Commission Also Amends Money Laundering Guidelines.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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March 1, 2001

Press Releases

- Sentencing Commission Seeks to Increase Penalties for Counterfeiting and Amphetamine Offenses; Agency Also Implements Guidelines for Human Trafficking Offenses.

Amendment Cycle:

Adopted Amendments

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